Facade Engineer

Job title: Façade Specialist

Reporting to: Façade Specialist Lead and Senior Partner

Role Summary

The role is for an experienced Façade Specialist within the Façade Team for Foster + Partners Technical Design Group. This role is an integral part of the in-house design review team working closely with our architects in the 6 Studios across multiple projects at all stages of design and construction. Our mission is to support the Studio teams to successfully deliver technically excellent projects globally. The position requires excellent communication skills and in-depth technical knowledge in the design and engineering of integrated façade systems, diverse materials knowledge and sustainability.

A day in the life of a Facade Specialist is a dynamic blend of collaboration, problem-solving, and knowledge-sharing. Meetings and workshops with internal and external stakeholders foster a continuous exchange of ideas. Responding to architects' inquiries from various Studios is a frequent task, offering technical guidance and solutions for diverse facade-related challenges. Reviewing and providing insights on F+P facade design drawings during design development and at project milestones is crucial, ensuring alignment with standards and offering valuable recommendations for enhancement.

Additionally, the Facade Specialist scrutinizes reports from facade consultants and specialist contractors, contributing comprehensive feedback for Studio teams to address in their projects. Collaborative moments in the canteen or shared spaces provide opportunities to exchange insights with colleagues, promoting a culture of shared knowledge and project discussions. Furthermore, it is essential to liaise with industry experts—consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners for staying up to date on facade industry trends and for organizing technical workshops for the Technical Design Group.

Responsibilities

• Proactively engaging with internal project teams to understand façade challenges and provide adequate technical support.
• Independently attending collaborative meetings and workshops with internal and external stakeholders – providing façade guidance, information, and recommendations.
• Reviewing design information, including drawings, presentations, and specifications, and providing façade comment and advice.
• Proposing potential cladding strategies and concepts and detail input on full building cladding and interface solutions, with appreciation of innovation and developing holistic progressive project solutions.
• Review of information provided by façade consultants and contractors.
• Production of technical design details and coordination with wider office support teams and design studios.
• Supporting teams dealing with requests from contractors, consultants and clients.
• Develop and produce best practise technical memos for façade topics.

Qualities & skills required

• ARB Chartered Architect/qualified façade engineer with experience delivering facade design with design-led practices.
• A degree in Engineering, Architecture or similar.
• International project portfolio.
• Knowledge of façade consultants, specialist contractors and façade suppliers.
• In depth construction knowledge and experience including technical inspections and review of information provided by façade contractors.
• Production of Facade Fire Risk assessments and knowledge and implementation of latest government fire regulatory measures.
• Preparation of technical due diligence reports.
• Support innovation and the development of bespoke progressive solutions.
• Excellent practical knowledge of façade systems and materials.

This description reflects the core activities of the role but is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties within the group/department may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work. Job descriptions will be reviewed regularly and where necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs. Any major changes will be discussed with the post holder.